Austin, TX – Selected Texas libraries will soon undertake new projects with funding from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). Workforce development resources, tools for promoting tech literacy and a wide range of impactful community programs topped the list of grant proposals recently approved by TSLAC. Agency commissioners awarded 42 library grants totaling $1,168,717 million for numerous Texas libraries and institutions of higher education at their July 29 meeting in Austin.

The commission awards funding through several library grant programs focusing on special projects, technology, reading and literacy initiatives, interlibrary resource collaboration and digitization efforts. The majority of funding for these local awards comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington, D.C.

A Texas Reads Grant was awarded to the Cross Plains Library.

Cross Plains Public Library – StoryWalk Project ($7,554)

The Cross Plains Public Library will launch a StoryWalk® outdoor exhibit composed of 16 metal stands with angled frames containing the laminated pages of a book, so that children, parents and others can walk and read a children’s book—even when the library is closed—while enjoying the butterflies, birds and flowers. The project will promote early literacy, physical activity and family time together in nature.